The Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll has been scheduled for May 10, as announced by the Election Commission on Wednesday. This bypoll is a crucial test for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is currently facing criticism from the opposition regarding the law and order situation in the state, particularly with the recent escape of pro-Khalistan preacher Amritpal Singh during a crackdown by the police. The AAP had lost the bypoll for Sangrur Lok Sabha seat last year, which was previously held by the current Chief Minister of the state, Bhagwant Mann.
The Congress, which currently holds seven out of 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, has named Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary, the wife of the late MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary, as its candidate for the Jalandhar seat. Meanwhile, the BJP has appointed Union Minister and Hoshiarpur MP Som Parkash as its in-charge for the bypoll.
Apart from being a prestige battle for both the AAP and the Congress, the bypoll is also significant for Jalandhar district, which has been promised projects worth Rs 100 crore by CM Mann, including the establishment of an automatic fermented milk product unit. The Congress has also announced several leaders and former MLAs as in-charge and co-in-charge for various areas within the parliamentary seat.
